Graduation Party ~ Peruvian Style
For the last two years we've heard
people talking about
"la promocion".
Although we knew it to be the high school graduation, we could tell from the stress that people felt and the context of various conversations that it was more involved than we realized.
This past year Katelyn and Anna became friends with several high school seniors. As such, they saw the intense preparation from an inside perspective. We learned that when kids enter high school (at age 12) their parents MUST begin making monthly payments for the graduation party that their child will participate in five years later. If payments are missed, there are looming threats of exclusion. In addition to the monthly payments, there are several mandatory fundraisers. During the final year the parents are all required to collaborate and make/buy all that is needed for the celebrations: music, decorations, cakes, invitations, etc... Given the unpredictable nature of people's employment, living arrangements, health conditions, etc.. these obligations cause a significant amount of stress.
Before traveling to Lima in November we were told by many to buy dresses and shoes for the party while we were there. This is another expense for which people save-up for months and months; in some cases even years.
Without wanting to insult us, our friends asked if we could possibly buy "normal" dresses so that we "fit in" and didn't look as much like missionaries. We took the opportunity to talk about the importance of modesty, but also assured them that we would find dresses that were appropriately elegant.
As Katelyn, Anna and I were getting ready we realized how exciting it was to get dressed in nice clothes for the first time in over two years. As I was carefully lining my eyes with a black pencil it occurred to me that I hadn't put on make-up since August of 2015. Katelyn and Anna left the house with make-up on for the first time in their lives. Although it was exciting, I shed some tears thinking about the reality that my little girls aren't so little anymore. (In fact, Katelyn has been taller than me for months now!)
When we arrived at the party, which was held at the high school, we were awe struck by the sheer beauty of it all.
People (like our friends Angie and Carlos) that we know to be very, very poor were wearing elegant gowns and sparkly shoes.
The tables (which had come out of the classrooms) were lined in fancy cloths (which each family provided for their own group), and flowers made out of balloons were strung all around, including overhead which made the space feel extra special and fun!
When it was time to eat, each person was given a styrofoam container overflowing with love...
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| This is our friend and animadora Charo, who has become like family to us. Her son Carlos made his promocion this year and we were honored to be able to celebrate with them. |
It has been our experience that the people here really enjoy conversation....for hours and hours. They never mind waiting for anything to start or finish because delays are nothing more than an opportunity to chat with others. It's a part of the culture that we've really come to appreciate and enjoy. As such, nobody was in a hurry to finish their meals. We ate and talked, talked and ate, which was delightful!
After everyone finished dinner the group clean-up effort began. Tables were stripped, garbage was hauled away, tables were returned to their respective classrooms and chairs were moved aside to make room for the upcoming presentation of the graduates and their sponsors.
It constantly amazes us to see how humble and selfless the people here are. They truly have servants' hearts. Regardless of what someone is wearing or what s/he is doing, they'll stop everything to help another... even if their nice clothes get covered in dirt and oil...even if they're going to miss an appointment... even if... even if... even if.... It's an incredible witness to the truth that "people are more important than things". We've taught our kids this their entire lives, but being here has really challenged us to "put our money where our mouths are"! We thank God for the beautiful example we have in those with which we live who know and live this truth .
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| Anna was the sponsor of our friend Omar, who is a young man that lives down the street. He recently received full initiation into the church and has been attending with us ever since. |
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| Katelyn was the sponsor of our friend Ramon, who broke his leg playing soccer three months ago. Because of inadequate medical care, Ramon still can not walk and has had subsequent problems ever since. The doctors hope that he'll walk again someday, but aren't sure. This is a dire prognosis given the fact that his injury was a clean break to the fibula, which is the smaller bone in the lower leg. In the United States caring for such a problem is considered routine and full recovery is expected. Things are SO different here! |
When the kids were done with their presentations everyone else was invited to dance... which we did until 5:30AM.
We spent the following days talking to everyone about "la promocion".
At some point we realized that we were part of the very same conversations we had only overheard in the past. After living here for two years, we are truly part of this community and it's amazing!!!
Simply stated, the promocion was nothing more than a communal high school graduation party, but in reality it was so much more.
Since many students end their career after elementary, another large percentage never finish high school, and very few continue on to college, this is truly a celebration of success!
We thank God for every single person that has supported us in this mission, making it possible for us to live with and serve these beautiful people!
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